The Never Ending Journey

Written this testimony soon after the XVI National Council in Shillong as a gratitude towards my movement and the National Executive Committee members of 2010- 2014. 

Narrowing down the memory lane, as it goes back to the year of which I became a part of this eternal movement, I could just smile and say, “That was an accident and I still love that accident”. Yes! I accidentally became the member of YCS YSM and when I call to mind now, It’s no more an accident but through Providence that I am still part of this immortal movement.

The one and only question which I ask myself endlessly is that who else would I have become if I haven’t met my guide, mentor, counselor and friend named YCS YSM. Certainly I would have done so many things but never ever would have Become Somebody as I am right now. From the very first day, till now our movement accompanied me throughout my journey: the joys, sorrows, problems, loneliness, confusions, disappointments, successes, failures, happiness, tears and what not! And I know that my friend will be there when my journey comes to an end too.
As Mark Twain rightly says, “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why” and without YCS I would have never realized the latter. As I pen down my 16 years journey, I am able to recall and remember thousands of faces that flashes through my mind who have helped me in the process of becoming. Happy to be born in the family of YCS YSM and I thank my parents, my brother and sisters whose love and prayers made me invincible. My sincerest gratitude to Most Rev Leo Cornelio, our Chairman Bishop for the strong support to the movement and all the former National Chaplains, Bishops, RYDs, DYDs, Animators, Full timers, Coordinators and Ex- YCS YSMers and all those whom I have met in this journey. To name a few: Leela teacher, Br. Carol, Lawren, Lisa, Divya, Ruben, Fr. Seba, Fr. Estha, Saranya, Fr. Simon, Fr. Lawrence, Aji, Deepak, Bala, Manoj, Loucille, Fr. Johny, Suzan, Fr. M.C, Fr. Peter, Sr. Jane and the list goes long. As I bow down and thank them all from the bottom of my heart, I earnestly ask them to continue inspiring many in this movement.

In this juncture, I would never be forgiven if I miss to render my gratitude and thanks to the man who shouldered this movement and made it proud. Of course it’s our own Fr. Charlie, our ever-loving Chaplain. No one else other than me would have had the chance to speak, share and reflect more about the movement in the past three years. Many speak about a program, but only we know what happened before and after the program. I thank God, for the opportunity to be with our National Chaplain and to lend my hand for the growth of the movement. The trust he has on me made me so special and I believe that I have done justice to my part. I don’t know how I am going to pay back the debts: the debts of love, care, understanding and hospitality. With all my little exposure and experience in the movement, I would proudly say that he is one of the Best Chaplains YCS YSM ever received. Despite the fact that we part each other, the movement will never forget to say that we are last ones to move away from this National Office. If someone is proud of what I have done, it’s because of him alone, though I don’t deserve it. It’s my greatest pleasure in serving you and the movement dear father.

In my whole life, the only person whom I longed to see was my President Joyce. Her presence made us all to feel like a family and the rest is history. I am happy to witness her leadership and proud to call her my own President. It’s a blessing to have her as my own sister and kept her close to my heart. The things I learnt from you are the best treasures to preserve. Thank you My President.

Happy to spend my three years with the best Chaplain, best Convener, best EXCOS in the best movement. Any moment I think of YCS, you always appear in my mind. I should mention all your names but I beg your pardon. Million thanks for respecting and accepting me for what I am. I know I expected more from you but you have always made our movement proud. As one big and happy family we can pat each others’ shoulders and say, “We have done it!” Yes, you have made a difference, and we all are able to feel it. I take this chance to wish the new team of EXCOS under the leadership of Jimmy and believe that they will take YCS to reach many young souls. I salute you all!!!

Best days of my life are the days I lived in YCS YSM and specifically the days I spent in the National Office. It’s still unbelievable that I have breathed the air in the National Office which taught me what life actually is. Million thanks to ‘Shakunthala Amma’ in the office for her cheerful service to the movement by serving good food for the stomach and soul. My sincerest credit goes to my college friends for their unconditional love and help in the National Office for shouldering and sharing my responsibilities. How can I forget Mr. Kamal whose presence and aid helped me to do better. Above all I remember and thank all the little living creatures in the National Office whose company I enjoyed the most and will never be forgotten.

Feel proud my fellow comrades that we were born in this world where YCS YSM existed. I have carried my torch so long and it’s your time to take it further. I have used the name YCS YSM as my surname more than that of my father. With the God-given movement at my side, I believe I have the spirit to strive, to seek, to find and not to yield and when someone ask, I would happily say that this is the end of my endless journey in a never-ending movement.

YCS YSM is Contagious!!!
Million thanks to all, for the chance
“To Breathe, Live, Drink and Share the Immortality of YCS YSM!”

Leo Joseph

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